And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

LUKE 2:37KJV
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Luke 2:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:37 mean?

Luke 2:37 describes a woman who had been a widow for about eighty-four years and who never left the temple, dedicating herself to serving God through fasting and prayer both day and night. This verse highlights her lifelong devotion and constant presence in the temple as part of her worship.

Luke, the writer, is telling about Anna, a prophetess, as part of the story of Jesus’ early days. Anna is introduced after Simeon, and her devotion is shown by her long years as a widow and her continuous worship in the temple. The verse paints a picture of someone whose entire life is centered around serving God, especially through spiritual disciplines like fasting and prayer.

The Greek behind Luke 2:37

  • ἔτη (etē, "years") and ὀγδοήκοντα τέσσαρα (ogdoēkonta tessara, "eighty-four"): The Greek makes clear that Anna had been a widow for eighty-four years, which could mean she was very old, possibly over a hundred years, depending on how her age is counted.
  • ἀφίστατο (aphistato, "departed not"): This word carries the sense of not withdrawing or leaving, emphasizing Anna’s constant presence in the temple.
  • λατρεύουσα (latreuousa, "served"): This Greek word often means religious service or worship, not just general service, showing Anna’s actions were acts of devotion to God.
  • νηστείαις (nēsteiais, "fastings") and δεήσεσιν (deēsesin, "prayers"): The Greek highlights that Anna’s service involved both fasting and prayers, showing a life marked by spiritual discipline and dependence on God.

Why Luke 2:37 matters

  • Luke 2:37 clears up any idea that Anna’s devotion was casual or occasional; she is shown as someone whose entire life was shaped by worship and spiritual discipline.
  • This verse connects Anna’s story to the larger theme in Luke of God working through humble, faithful people who are often overlooked by society.
  • Anna’s example of worship through fasting and prayer helps explain the kind of devotion valued in the early Christian community and sets the stage for her important role as a witness to Jesus’ arrival.

Where else these words appear

“fourscore” Greek G3589 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

“fastings” Greek G3521 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

“departed” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

“prayers” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;